
Got a Gorgeous New Business? SALONS OF THE YEAR Application Now Open!
The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!
When most salons move to a new location, they typically are seeking more space. Las Vegas’ Globe Salon decided to leave their bland strip-mall location to find a new and exciting space that better fulfilled the reputation and image of their brand. They found the perfect location—a storefront in a loft-style residential building in the downtown Arts District. But to move there, the salon had to sacrifice 40-percentof its existing space and squeeze its operation into 1,000 square feet.With efficiency a top concern, the new design takes its cues from the hospitality industry with high-end finishes, including hardwood floors and cabinetry, designer chairs, imported wallpaper, a glass-topped desk and Shiatsu massaging shampoo shuttles. “Designer Kevin Brailsford aimed to capitalize on the cube-like dimensions and make the space feel like an urban jewel box,” says Staci Linklater, president of the salon’s development company. “Rather than close in the ceiling, the solution was to enclose the HVAC unit in a wallpapered soffit and accent it with hanging strands of glass beads to make it feel like a giant black chandelier.”To deal with reduced space concerns, the salon reduced its station count by three and positioned stations closer together, allowing the team to work more productively together. The architect positioned the skin care treatment room directly behind the front desk and created a hidden door that becomes a seamless part of the wall. Potential noise was reduced in the small space with wood panels on the wall and soft layers of insulation in the concrete ceiling.“We believe Globe Salon captures the essence of upcoming salon design trends perfectly—a manageably sized space that is intimate, yet spacious, designed with high-end finishes and intimate touches that reflect the fact that we are first and foremost a hospitality business,” says Linklater.








When most salons move to a new location, they typically are seeking more space. Las Vegas’ Globe Salon decided to leave their bland strip-mall location to find a new and exciting space that better fulfilled the reputation and image of their brand.
They found the perfect location—a storefront in a loft-style residential building in the downtown Arts District. But to move there, the salon had to sacrifice 40-percent
of its existing space and squeeze its operation into 1,000 square feet.
With efficiency a top concern, the new design takes its cues from the hospitality industry with high-end finishes, including hardwood floors and cabinetry, designer chairs, imported wallpaper, a glass-topped desk and Shiatsu massaging shampoo shuttles. “Designer Kevin Brailsford aimed to capitalize on the cube-like dimensions and make the space feel like an urban jewel box,” says Staci Linklater, president of the salon’s development company. “Rather than close in the ceiling, the solution was to enclose the HVAC unit in a wallpapered soffit and accent it with hanging strands of glass beads to make it feel like a giant black chandelier.”
To deal with reduced space concerns, the salon reduced its station count by three and positioned stations closer together, allowing the team to work more productively together. The architect positioned the skin care treatment room directly behind the front desk and created a hidden door that becomes a seamless part of the wall. Potential noise was reduced in the small space with wood panels on the wall and soft layers of insulation in the concrete ceiling.
“We believe Globe Salon captures the essence of upcoming salon design trends perfectly—a manageably sized space that is intimate, yet spacious, designed with high-end finishes and intimate touches that reflect the fact that we are first and foremost a hospitality business,” says Linklater.

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

At night, Dominic Michael Salon keeps the interior lights on, as the illuminated, eye-catching contemporary design serves as a billboard that consistently attracts new guests.

Built from the ground up, Mane 18’s design strikes a balance between an elevated experience for guests and the functionality and flow necessary for team members to perform at their best.

Andreas Hogue Salon’s recent renovation surprises visitors with the interior’s expansion of space, elevated retail area, and changing views of the restored Chicago prairie.

It's Day 10 of our SALON TODAY 200 reveals, and we've reached the end! Today, we toast the honorees in the second half of growth--the salons, spas, and barbershops that constantly strive to build stronger bottom lines, including Brandy Smith Stephens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

On Day 9 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 reveals, a big 'Huzzah' to our first look at the salons, spas and barbershops that fueled their growth by mastering a number of best practices, including the fun team from Lavish Hair Lounge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (P.S. The second half of Growth comes tomorrow.)

A big "Bravo!" to the salons and spas that develop strong cultures that fuel growth while retaining team members, such as Soleil Salon & Spa team in Windham, New Hampshire, who catch up reading last year's 200 issue.

We tip our hats to the salons and spas that genuinely connect with guests and strive to elevate their service, including Chenica Racine and Ricka O'Bannon, owners of C&R Beauty Bar in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hats off to the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who make education a priority for employees at every level, including Eric Fisher Salon, which hosted Educator Oscar Bond for a cutting class in Wichita, Kansas.

Today, we have two 2026 SALON TODAY 200 categories as we hail the salons that find creative ways to build client loyalty and the ones that constantly explore and embrace new technology to further their businesses, including the social-savvy team from Verde Salon Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

For today's SALON TODAY 200 announcements, we toast the honorees who prioritize the environment in their business decisions and those who take retail to the next level, including the excited team from Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky.

Cheers to the SALON TODAY 200 honorees who give their time, talent and fundraising efforts to their communities, including Eli Mancha and the team from Bang! Salon, whose cut-a-thon has collected more than 1,200 coats that have been donated to Chicago's unhoused.

It's Day 1 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 announcements, and today, we raise our glasses for the honorees in the Business Builders category. These salons, including Elan Hair Studio in Spring Lake, New Jersey, took strategic risks that paid off in revenue-generating success.

It's time to celebrate the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who design rewarding career paths and seek out enriching benefits to keep their team members healthy, happy and growing, including the team from Pinup Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, who always enjoy a good pajama party.

With a training salon, treatment rooms, education and collaboration spaces, a podcast studio and a yoga studio, BASE ONE is the foundation for the future growth of PENZONE Salons+Spas, as well as the company's gift to their community and the industry. Peruse the image gallery or take the personalized video tour led by Debra Penzone to see this exceptional space.

As our judges read those last essays and create their list of honorees in each category, we're planning to start announce the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 starting February 25.